Mary Barra

General Motors Co agreed to pay $900 million and admit to misleading the government and the public about the safety of its vehicles to end a U.S. criminal investigation into its handling of defective ignition switches linked to 124 deaths.

Despite an uncomfortable ride for GM stock, which is higher by 10¢ at $34.45 as of the time of this writing, the weight of evidence suggests investors expect better times for the company once the interruption has passed.

U.S. stocks fell, pulling the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index down from a record, and the yen strengthened as concern American lawmakers will fail to reach a budget deal overshadowed better-than-estimated economic data. Oil, gold and coffee led commodity gains as the dollar weakened.

A profitable General Motors Co. is poised to shake off a half decade of U.S. government oversight next month, underscoring the comeback of a once-moribund industry and gaining leeway over a $26.8 billion cash pile that it can use to lure talent while weighing a dividend.